Corporate & association events

An inspiring, engaging international keynote speaker with hundreds of events in eighteen countries, I speak about overcoming adversity (a transformational near-death cancer story), facing change energetically and resourcefully, creating your own future, and learning to see challenges through new eyes. Clients have said I leave audiences with a new view of life and of the work that lies ahead.

A businessman faces death

In my high tech marketing career, year after year we faced existential threats: new competitors, sudden change, and occasionally true disruption. Being repeatedly forced to face new challenges proved useful when I learned I was almost dead from metastatic cancer. Using every resource at my disposal, I found a way to survive, emerging victorious and going on to help found a movement.

Topics

As noted below, my method is “consultative speaking.” Here are a few topics commonly requested by clients.

Inspirational / motivational: As described on my healthcare page, I faced Stage IV (metastatic) kidney cancer, with a median survival of just 24 weeks. In less than a year I was cured, due partly to being a highly engaged patient; I went on to see my daughter’s wedding and become a grandfather and international keynote speaker. We have no idea what is possible when human potential is coupled with dedication and hard work.

Disruptive innovation – a first-hand tale and what we can learn. Ten years before The Innovator’s Dilemma my industry (graphic arts) went through profound disruption when desktop publishing put power in the hands of the consumer. I speak from experience when I tell how Christensen was right (in detail), how it feels to be under that steamroller, and how everyone must – and can – adjust and be flexible as the future evolves.

Facing change, adapting and thriving; alternate title If you live long enough, things change! A generation ago we could choose a career and be set for life, so change can feel threatening. I know: my first industry doesn’t even exist anymore. The longer people live, the more change we see – to me it’s no longer a threat, it’s reason to celebrate and adapt. The good news: there are universal truths, and if you were smart in one era you can be smart in the next.